Thoughts from a Freedom Rider

Everyone should take the bus to get to where they work Everyone should go to school without fear of being hurt Everyone should have a voice and know its precious worth These things flash through my mind I know them to be true They’re what I believe with heart and soul But with my body too? I hear shouts rhetorical And flames that are not metaphorical I’m scared. I’m stuck. I’m frozen. My shirt is sticky wet But my fear glues me to my seat Just as much as the sweat Cause those dogs have teeth Those men have pipes Sometimes keeping tradition isn’t nice Stupid ideals trapped in my body Morals wrapped up in fears My fear for my skin Is whats keeping me within I’m trapping me. I’m letting them trap me So I stepped off that bus And doll, I’ve never felt so free Everyone should take the bus to get to where they work Everyone should get a drink without fear of being hurt Everyone should have a voice and know its precious worth